Obituaries

SHERRIE LEE BURK Dec. 23, 1947 – May 20, 2026

With deep love and sorrow, we announce the passing of Sherrie Lee Burk on May 20, 2026. Sher­rie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, wife, and friend whose kindness, strength, and generous spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Sherrie was born on Dec. 23, 1947, in Den­ver, Colorado, to Charles Saunders and Harriett Robinson. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Los Alamos, New Mexico, where she grew up with her sisters, Katherine “Kitty” Headdy and Dorothy “Dottie” Austin. She graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1965 and later attended Read More

HEDY DUNN March 4, 1943 – May 27, 2026

With great sadness, the Dunn family announces the passing of Hedy (Mannheimer) Dunn, age 83, who peacefully passed away on May 27, 2026, just weeks after a sudden diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. 

Hedy was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and member of the community. After a long career as the director of the Los Alamos Historical Museum, Hedy was a devoted and active volunteer with many organizations, including the Pajarito Environmental Education Center, Bandelier National Monument, the Los Alamos Unitarian Church, and the Santa Fe Opera. Read More

HOWARD LEE GURLEY May 14, 2026

Howard Lee Gurley passed away peacefully from heart disease on May 14, 2026, in Harlingen, Texas, with his mother and father by his side. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1967 and grew up in both Albuquerque and Los Alamos.

Lee was a creative and artistic person. After high school, he attended the Colorado Institute of Art and began his career as a graphic artist in New York City, where he lived and worked for over 20 years. He later returned to New Mexico and eventually moved to Texas to help care for his mother.

Lee was a quiet man who rarely spoke much about his life Read More

John FitzPatrick Aug. 28, 1946 – April 17, 2026

John R. FitzPatrick passed away on April 17, 2026, following a brief illness. He was born in Reno, Nevada on August 28, 1946, and grew up in White Pine County, Nevada, in the mining towns of Ruth and Ely. The wide-open outdoor spaces of his childhood resonated with him his entire life.

John graduated from White Pine County High School and attended the University of Utah where he earned a BS in Chemistry. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years before returning to the University of Utah to complete a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry. Later, while he was working at Read More

STACY D. SANCHEZ Aug. 25, 1964 – May 22, 2026

Stacy D. Sanchez went to be with the Lord on May 22, 2026. Born Aug. 25, 1964, in Los Alamos, NM, where he lived for over 30 years.

He is survived by his parents, Amadeo Sanchez Jr (Terry) and Nancy Smith (Don ), his sister Valerie (Mike), brother Jeffrey (Melissa), uncles Eddie and Dawson, and cousins Justin, Eric, Tim, Fred, and Donny.

He also leaves behind countless friends and church brethren.

Stacy ran a successful handyman business and was a master craftsman, praised by his clients for his quality work.

Stacy was especially known for his friendliness Read More

PHILIP ANTHONY SEEGER Feb. 19, 1937 – April 23, 2026

Longtime Los Alamos resident Philip Anthony Seeger, PhD., died peacefully in his home April 23, 2026, surrendering his life to Parkinson’s disease, but never his dignity, surrounded by family and listening to the music he loved. He was 89 years old.

Phil was born Feb. 19, 1937, in Evanston, Illinois, to Gerald Paul Seeger and Jeannette Bresnan Seeger. The family moved many times as Phil was growing up, as his father was relocated multiple times, ending up in El Paso, Texas. Phil excelled in mathematics and science, building his own telescope Read More

MICHAEL WALTER MCINERNEY Jan. 21, 1939 – Feb. 21, 2026

Michael Walter McInerney of Rio Rancho, New Mexico was born Jan. 21, 1939, to Thomas and Doris McInerney in Shoreditch, London, England. He was the middle of three children; his sister Doris was the eldest, and his brother Stephen the youngest.

After completing secondary school, Michael served three years in the Royal Air Force (RAF), where he began what would become a firefighting career spanning more than six decades. He joined the London Fire Brigade in 1960 and served with distinction until 1981. He later trained firefighters for the Read More

MARTIN PATTERSON KELLOGG Feb. 20, 1939 – March 29, 2026

Martin Kellogg passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026 (sitting in his favorite armchair), leaving behind a legacy of intellect, creativity, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Martin was born on February 20, 1939, to Emily P. (“Pat”) and Jerome Merle Blake (“Jerry”) Kellogg. According to his mother, from a very early age Martin showed an extraordinary fascination with classical music, obsessively listening to and recognizing musical pieces long before most children Read More

PAULA KLECZKA Sept. 17, 1978 – April 24, 2026

Paula Kleczka went to be with her eternal Lord and Savior on Friday, April 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with stage four cancer. She was born on September 17, 1978. Although she was taken much too young, she was blessed in her final moments to be surrounded by her devoted boyfriend and loving family.

Paula grew up in a loving and welcoming home in White Rock, New Mexico, as the youngest of six children. She attended Los Alamos High School, where she developed her strength of will competing in track competitions. Following her graduation in 1997, she Read More

CLAUDIA DEERING HILKO May 8, 1948 – May 26, 2026

April 26, 2026, Claudia Deering Hilko, mother, dancer, physiotherapist, and beloved wife, passed away at age 77 at Scott’s House, Santa Fe.

Claudia was born May 8, 1948, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, growing up in Wheaton, Illinois and Hopewell, New Jersey. Claudia attended North Carolina University in Chapel Hill, NC. There she met and married Robert A. Hilko (Bob), who became her loving husband in 1976, and they danced together through life. They raised their son, Rob, and daughter, Meg, in Los Alamos, NM where Claudia resided until she passed. Read More